New member in Florida

**BBA** · 05-13-2010, 08:32 PM

Hi! I just placed an order with Auto Geek last night, saw there was a forum, and decided to join. I know very little about auto detailing. Actually, after reading through some of the information, apparently I knew less than I thought I did. Who knew I had been washing my cars wrong...

Anyway, I had a couple reasons for joining. One is because I'm trying to learn how to make paint shine. My wife has a black 2009 Pathfinder, and I really want to figure out how to get rid of some of the small scratches/swirls that seem so much more obvious on a black vehicle. Since my wife always says she needs a hobby, and she's far more interested in washing and waxing her vehicle than I am, I'm hoping I can learn a bit about it and eventually get her to do all the work while I watch.

The second reason for joining is in hopes of learning something about proper care of my car. I just had my car repainted in the factory color, but I went for a satin finish. I know that's not to everyone's taste, probably less so on a forum dedicated to making cars shine, but it's my car and I like it. But, I'm trying to learn of ways to care for it without making it shiny.

For kicks, here's a pic of my car:

So, here I am, and I'll likely be perusing the forums without posting much. I tend to lurk and search on forums more than anything. Seriously, it's not unusual for me to finally reach 50 posts on a forum after only three years. If I feel I have something constructive to contribute, I will, but I'll most likely be reading, trying to learn something.

Billy

**JohnnyC** · 05-13-2010, 08:55 PM

That is a sweet looking ride.

to AG and trust me, if you need info on getting the best out of your cars finish this is the place to be.They sell everything you would need and they can steer you in the right direction.

**Harleyguy** · 05-13-2010, 08:57 PM

Welcome BBA to AGO you will find plenty of reading and a ton of people here that are more then willing to help.Nice ride by the way.Don't forget to check out Mike Phillips video library .So let the madness begin and have fun.

**rohnramirez** · 05-13-2010, 08:59 PM

Welcome! I also like matte finishes. Is that a single stage paint job or did they use a non-gloss clear? If they used a non-gloss clear, that would make maintaining it easier.

**BBA** · 05-13-2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by rohnramirez

Welcome! I also like matte finishes. Is that a single stage paint job or did they use a non-gloss clear? If they used a non-gloss clear, that would make maintaining it easier.

According to the painter, it's a BASF clearcoat mixed with a satining/flattening agent. He mixed it with different ratios to spray a few cards so I could choose the finish I wanted, and this is what I chose. Since I still have the card with the mix used on my car, I guess I can see what any polishes and waxes do to it there, as that would be far less conspicuous than any spot on my car...

**Southern Stang** · 05-14-2010, 01:09 AM

Welcome to AGO. My mother and step dad live right off 524, fairly close to you. I'm sometimes a sucker for a satin or matte finish on some cars, and yours is just right.

**rohnramirez** · 05-14-2010, 01:12 AM

Yes, you can use the cards as a test subject. But paper reacts differently than metal.

Good luck on what you decide on.

Mike Phillips · 05-14-2010, 07:10 AM

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

Love the color...

**CEE DOG** · 05-14-2010, 08:15 AM

Welcome! I'm in FL also. I love your car and the paint.

**ScottB** · 05-14-2010, 09:41 AM

Welcome to the most contagious site in detailing ... being in Florida your close to Autogeek and will get your orders even faster than others, so its a win-win.